Maritime Engineering MSc
Our Maritime Engineering MSc gives you the knowledge and skills to manage complex engineering problems across the maritime sector.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025-26
Start date(s):
- September 2025
Overview
In this course you’ll combine technical knowledge of maritime engineering subjects with practical industrial applications. This will help you develop the ability to manage complex engineering problems.
You’ll focus on the professional responsibilities of engineers, including:
- health and safety
- diversity and inclusion
- cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters
- codes of practice and industry standards specific to the maritime sector
There is growing demand for maritime focused engineers in the “blue economy”. Areas such as decarbonisation of shipping, transition to net zero, deep-water offshore renewables and subsea exploration all need engineers with specialist skills. This programme has four streams for you to choose from:
- Naval Architecture
- Marine Engineering
- Subsea and Pipeline
- Offshore Renewables
You’ll gain knowledge and skills in maritime engineering, equipping you with the tools to meet this demand.
We designed this MSc for both practising professionals and new graduates in areas such as:
- naval architecture
- marine engineering
- offshore engineering
- subsea and pipeline engineering
- civil engineering
- mechanical engineering
Our Master's in Maritime Engineering covers topics associated with:
- offshore renewable energy systems
- subsea systems
- marine technology
- maritime structures
- hydrodynamics
- marine propulsion
- energy and environmental performance
- data analytics
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
Depending on your chosen modules, this course develops your knowledge and skills in:
- latest technology trends in the maritime sector
- propellers and turbines
- physics of ocean waves
- electrical power requirements for maritime systems
- environmental impacts of maritime operations
- advanced structural analysis to ships and offshore systems
- computational design and analysis of maritime systems
- hydrodynamic performance of specialist systems
- risk assessment procedures
- designing mooring systems
- performance of marine systems
- creative engineering teamwork skills
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Marine Engineering Stream
Naval Architecture Stream
Subsea Stream
Offshore Renewables Stream
General Stream
You'll follow the compulsory modules listed above and take a selection of optional modules totalling 70 credits from those listed above (from the Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Subsea or Offshore Renewables streams) on agreement with the Degree Programme Director.
Modules
Year One
Compulsory modules
Marine Transport Business (10 credits)
Future Marine Projects (10 credits)
Marine Engineering Design (20 credits)
Marine Engineering III (20 credits)
Dynamic Modelling and Simulation (10 credits)
Project & Report in Marine Engineering (40 credits)
Marine Production Management (10 credits)
Year Two
Compulsory modules
Marine Engineering Stream
Naval Architecture Stream
Subsea Stream
Offshore Renewables Stream
General Stream
You'll follow the compulsory modules listed above and take a selection of optional modules totalling 70 credits from those listed above (from the Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Subsea or Offshore Renewables streams) on agreement with the Degree Programme Director.
How you'll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You'll engage with students across all key maritime technology disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Our teaching methods typically consist of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical sessions
- group work
- personal supervision
Modules are taught by block delivery, allowing you to immerse yourself and understand the subject in more depth.
Our strong industrial engagement means our courses are shaped by industry.
The course is also available with a preliminary year if you do not meet the entry criteria for the one-year Master's course.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Design or creative project
- Essay
- Oral examination
- PC examination
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Dissertation
You'll undertake cutting-edge maritime engineering research. This addresses global challenges such as:
- climate change
- marine pollution
- environmental impact
There will also be the opportunity to address aspects such as ship performance or alternative propulsion design.
You'll combine the skills and knowledge gained from your selected modules and develop your research skills on a relevant topic. Where possible, your project will be aligned with existing research projects in the School of Engineering or undertaken with industry partners.
You'll choose an individual dissertation project. This may be theoretical, experimental or the development of a simulation model of maritime engineering systems. It can include ships' propulsion and power transmission systems. Our research strengths include:
- design of new propulsion configurations such as electric propulsion and fuel cell powered systems
- engine emission prediction and simulation
- data analytics for ship performance and optimisation
- ships' environmental and performance indexing
- performance analysis of abatement technologies and measures (eg SCR, alternative fuels, ballast water treatment systems, etc)
You may have the opportunity to undertake a project that is sponsored directly by one of our industry partners.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr Andrew Aspden
Lecturer in Thermofluid Dynamics
Dr Maryam Haroutunian
Lecturer in Marine Technology
Professor Zhiqiang Hu
Lloyds Professor of Offshore Engineering
Professor D John Mangan
Professor of Marine Transport and Logistics
Dr Rosemary Norman
Senior Lecturer
Dr Kayvan Pazouki
Senior Lecturer
Dr Yongchang Pu
Lecturer
Dr Weichao Shi
Reader in Net Zero Maritime Systems
Dr Paul Stott
Senior Lecturer
Dr David Trodden
Lecturer in Marine Technology
Dr Serkan Turkman
Lecturer in Marine Engineering
Dr Ben Wetenhall
Lecturer
Your development
Our strong industrial engagement means that our degree programmes are shaped by industry and government policy.
Multidisciplinary Group Project
This module will allow you to work with students from different maritime disciplines on a practical engineering problem.
Your communication and team working skills will be enhanced by working with a multidisciplinary team. You'll benefit from a broad spectrum of maritime technology/engineering perspectives.
The Multidisciplinary Group Project involves information gathering, analysis and work delegation. You'll need to consider the following implications when undertaking your project:
- political
- economical
- social
- technological
- legal
- environmental
Site trips
We'll arrange local maritime-related industry trips. These will enhance your understanding of the operation, challenges and new advances in the maritime industry.
Your future
Graduate destinations
We have close links with industry and our graduates. This provides you with a network, allowing you to enhance your employability.
Graduates on this programme are prepared for wide range of careers across the globe in maritime engineering sectors, including:
- classification societies
- ship operation
- marine design and consultancy
- offshore renewable industries
- subsea and pipeline industries
- shipbuilding and ship repair
This Master's also provides a route into further study at PhD level.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Top 145 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
This course accredited by Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This means that you are automatically recognised as satisfying the educational requirements leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. IMarEST is the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body.
Our accreditations give you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, most of which require Chartered Engineer status.
Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)
This course has been accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
The accreditation is a mark of assurance that the course meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). This will give you some or most of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Accreditation gives you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, many of which require Chartered Engineer status.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You'll be part of the School of Engineering and you'll learn in state-of-the-art labs and fantastic facilities, many of which are unique to Newcastle University. You'll have access to our:
- unique large-scale laboratories to help you learn and understand concepts taught in class
- Blythe Marine Station and our high-speed research vessel, The Princess Royal
- cavitation tunnel to test models of propellers, turbines, submarines and more
- towing tank to conduct ship model experiments
- combined wind, wave and current tank to experience modelling of the full offshore environment
- hydrodynamics laboratory with wave-making and electronic recording equipment
- engine laboratories, which include facilities to test diesel engines
- dedicated computer cluster running specialist marine design software
- university, regional and national HPCs (High-Performance Computing)
- specialist marine technical library and historical archive
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
| Qualification: MSc Full time | |
|---|---|
Home students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £13,900 |
International students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £30,050 |
| Qualification: MSc (with Preliminary Year) Full time | |
|---|---|
Home students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £13,900 |
International students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £30,050 |
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or an international equivalent, in:
- earth sciences
- civil engineering
- geological science
- geology
- geophysics
- maths
- physics
You must have a maths background.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Before you start
Start Dates
The course starts in September.
Closing Dates
There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Specialised application information
You initially apply for Maritime Engineering MSc (5497F) or Maritime Engineering with Preliminary Year (5498F) but if you want to specialise in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Subsea Engineering or Offshore Renewables then you select one of these pathways during registration.
Deposit
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)
You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.
Programme codes
| Qualification: MSc Full time | |
|---|---|
Full time: 12 months | Programme Code: 5497F |
| Qualification: MSc (with Preliminary Year) Full time | |
|---|---|
Full time: 24 months | Programme Code: 5498F |
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Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
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School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk
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